Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutGrant - Work First Pilot FundsORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: November 2, 2006 Action Agenda Item No. 5- l SUBJECT: Work First Pilot Funds DEPARTMENT: Social Services PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) No ATTACHMENT(S): Grant Proposal Grant Award Letter INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy Coston, 245 -2802 Gwen Price, 245 -2885 PURPOSE: To accept grant funds available to operate Work First pilots. BACKGROUND: The North Carolina General Assembly appropriated some of the available Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to support local pilot projects to enhance the participation rates of Work First recipients. Changes in federal rules are expected to make it difficult for local agencies to meet the required federal participation rates. The pilot projects must be used in a way to increase these participation rates. Participation rates are determined by the number of recipients who complete 30 hours per week of allowable activities. Most of the allowable activities are short term training, community work experience, on- the -job training, employment or subsidized employment. Orange County is not currently meeting the required 50% participation rate for all parents who are not either disabled or have a child younger than the age of one. As the number of recipients has declined it has become more difficult for the agency to meet the federal requirements since many of the current recipients have complex issues and multiple barriers to employment. At the joint work session with the Social Services Board on September 14, 2006, the Board of County Commissioners indicated that the agency could apply for these funds. There is no local match required and if the pilot project is meeting its stated goals, then the funds can be continued for two more years. The deadline to submit proposals was on October 6, 2006, and a proposal requesting $270,838 in grant funds was submitted by Social Services on that date. Social Services has been approved to receive funds to increase its on-the-job training components with employers, to provide job coaches for targeted participants, to provide work incentives for successful participants and to provide subsidized employment opportunities. Funding is available through Fiscal Year 2008 -2009 for these projects. In addition to accepting these funds, the Department of Social Services is requesting to establish temporary positions to be used for the subsidized employment opportunities. Work First participants could then be hired as county employees to work in certain departments in the county and would therefore develop work habits and a work history that could be used in seeking unsubsidized employment. Case management and job coaching would be made available for these individuals and it is anticipated that the length of time in these positions would be limited to no more than one year for any one participant. Some of the costs for the salary and benefits would be paid through Work First funds and other costs would come from existing salary line items. For example, Social Services would transfer some of its existing temporary salary funds to help support participants who work at the agency. Other departments with appropriate work assignments might also choose to participate in the program. Similarly funds will be provided to private employers who create opportunities for participants. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The cost of the pilot project will be paid through the additional grant form the Division of Social Services. No county funds are being requested for these services. RECOMMENDATION: The Manager recommends that the Board accept the grant funds from the Division of Social Services and allow Social Services to implement the strategies outlined in the pilot proposal. � Q � er . 1/, Qf aT O/ Orange County Department of Social Services Work First Demonstration Grant October 6, 2006 Nancy Coston, Director PO Box 8181 Hillsborough, NC 27278 919 - 732 -8181 ncoston ar,co.orange.nc.us Orange County DSS 3 3 4 Work First Demonstration Grant Proposal Orange County Department of Social Services October 6, 2006 Summary Orange County Department of Social Services requests $270,838 for the implementation of a Subsidized Employment and On -the -Job Training program, Work Incentives for participants, and a Job Coach to build strong life management and work skills for Work First participants. Department staff continues to complete the initial screening of Work First applicants for program eligibility, possible diversion options, and the need of supportive services. Most recipients are first referred to job search and 47% will find employment within six months. Of those remaining, significant barriers to employment include poor life management skills, insufficient support systems, personal fears regarding work, low self - esteem, and transportation issues. This population could benefit from a combination of on -the- job training, work incentives, and job coaching services to be successful. Program Description and Goals Orange County averages 150 able - bodied Work First participants and averages two to three two- parent families on a monthly basis. To impact our work participation rate, we need to invest in employment opportunities and work supports. The goal of this grant will be to increase available jobs for Work First participants, expand support systems for participants, offer incentives to encourage participation, and improve job retention. The County is in the process of building a stronger job readiness component where every recipient will be referred and taught work place norms, communication skills, and time management skills to help manage demands of work and family responsibilities and introduce them to the culture employment. Graduates from the job readiness program will either transition to employment, vocational training, work experience, subsidized employment, or on-the-job training. This grant will give them an opportunity to practice the teachings in a safe and nurturing work environment to build employability skills, enhance their marketability and sustainability. Outcome Measures These outcome measures will be used to evaluate the program over the three -year period. • Number of Work First clients placed in a subsidized employment or OJT position. • Increase in employers who hire Work First participants. • Number of tax credit certificates. • Exceed 50% all parent participation rate. • Exceed 90% two- parent participation rate. Orange County DSS 4 The following activities will be utilized to measure the programs progress: • Develop an assessment tool for employers to use to evaluate participants progress • On going staffmg sessions with job developer, job coach, and case manager. • Track the number of participants referred and the amount of time they remain in placement. • Assess contributing factors resulting in negative terminations. • Review state reports monthly. • Keep records of number of employers contacted and educate employers on available tax credits, subsidized employment, and OJT. • Track number of employers participating and the number each employer is hiring. Implementation Plan Orange County has experienced a 59% reduction in the Work First cases since June 1995. The remaining participants have multiple barriers to employment; not limited to substance abuse, domestic violence, limited work history, limited work skills, and health issues. Orange County will offer subsidized employment, on-the-job training, a job coach, and work incentives for Work First participants. Case managers will assess participant's skill level and determine if on the job training is an appropriate activity. After the assessment, the participant will be referred to the Skills Development/JobLink Center for a match with available employment opportunities. Individuals with the skills and experience necessary to successfully obtain employment will not be eligible for subsidized employment or OJT. Subsidized Employment and On- the -Job Training (OJT) The Department of Social Services will partner with the Orange County Skills Development/JobLink Center for employer education on tax credits, subsidized employment, OJT, job development, and participant tracking. The Orange County Skills Development/JobLink Center will: • Identify employers interested in hiring Work First participants. • Analyze the jobs. • Determine the basic skills and technical skills necessary to successfully perform the jobs. Develop a system for tracking job descriptions and required knowledge, skills and abilities on available positions. Utilize the WorkKeys System for measuring basic workplace skills. Assist with tax credit certifications. Employers will receive a 50% match or full subsidy for the training period based on the participant's skill level. OJT is limited in duration based upon the target occupation for which the participant is being trained, the participant's prior work experience and the service strategy. The employer will provide training, supervision, and agree to retain the Orange County DSS rel placement if expectations are met. The employer can be in the public, private non - profit or private sector. The subsidized employment and OJT program will serve 20 participants each year for the three year period. Subsidized employment and OJT focuses on jobs involving the introduction of new technologies, production or service procedures; upgrading to new jobs that require additional skills or workplace literacy. Subsidized employment and OJT provides knowledge or skills essential to the full and adequate performance of the job. Job Coach Experience and research suggest that for clients with multiple barriers to employment will need additional help as they develop the skills required to transition to self - sufficiency. This additional help can be provided by the training and support of a job coach. The job coach assist participants with life management skills necessary to manage home, meet the development and educational needs of their children, and enforce workplace behaviors (punctuality, attendance, positive attitudes, work attire). The job coach will: • Analyze the available jobs in the community. • Complete home visits to assess home management skills. • Visit work sites to understand jobs and training needs. • Observe and monitor participant behaviors. • Provide feedback to participant on development. • Identify resources to enhance skills. The job coach will provide intensive services to Work First families. Job retention is the primary goal for Work First participants. The job coach will work closely with the case manager to ensure the development of work skills and the completion of responsibilities on the Mutual Responsibility Agreement. Work Incentives Behaviors are learned over a lifetime based on key factors such as environment, experiences, education, and role models. Changing negative behaviors require training, opportunities to role play, practice, and positive reinforcement to strengthen behavior. Transportation is a major barrier for Work First participants in Orange County. The use of mass transit is encouraged as a means for commuting to work and training. Unfortunately, mass transit is limited in Orange County. Transportation in the northern portion of the county (Hillsborough, Cedar Grove, Efland) is almost nonexistent and limits participant's ability to get to work and training. Orange County will develop an incentive program for participants to earn assistance with a car purchase. In addition, Orange County will continue to use the Wheels for Work car donation program to remove transportation barriers. Orange County Department of Social Services will develop criteria for earning incentives based on a designated number of points. Some potential items are listed below; others Orange County DSS 6 VA will be added to encourage and strengthen participation. Participants would earn points for: • Weekly contact with case manager. • Participating in work related activities; training, work experience, employment. • Meeting the hours outlined in the mutual responsibility agreement. • Submitting reports and time cards weekly. • Having a driver's license. • Good driving record. • No criminal record. Incentives to be used are gift cards for work experience assignments, clothing allowances, and a car allowance. Eighty participants will participate in the work experience incentive and 30 participants will receive a clothing allowance. The clothing allowance is a separate incentive outside of the standard assistance with clothes for an interview and new job. Work First participants receiving the car allowance would have met all of the program requirements and would have retained employment for 60 days. The program would assist 15 participants with car ownership. Enhanced Service Delivery Subsidized employment and on-the-job training enhances service delivery options. Research indicates that recipients who obtain good jobs with higher wages and employer provided benefits are more likely to sustain employment. Through the development of this initiative, we will be building relationships and partnerships with employers that would be valuable for labor market information such as job listings, relevant training opportunities, work supports and career counseling. Staff development and training will occur as we look at the provision of a stronger pre- employment and post - employment services delivery process. Work First participants will be empowered as they are guided in focusing on outcomes and reinforced in that behavior by work incentives and job coaching. Implementation Timeframe Orange County will begin implementation 30 days after notification of grant approval. Partners will meet to work out protocols for successful coordination and outcome measures. Involvement of Community Partners Orange County is in the process of building strong working relationships with employers in both the private and public sectors. Our partnerships will focus on issues such as work force needs and coordinating information on available jobs. The DSS will expand Orange County DSS 7 8 working relationships with the Orange County Skills Development/JobLink Center and Orange Enterprise, Inc. (OE). The Skills Development/JobLink Center offers labor market information, provides access to career training and job placement services, and serves as a connection between employers and qualified workers. Orange County Government is the host agency for the JobLink Center providing space and equipment for partners in conjunction with the Regional Partnership Workforce Development Board. In the expanded relationship the JobLink Center will educate employers on Work First, and develop job sites for Work First participants. Orange Enterprises, Inc. provides intensive case management services to hard to serve individuals. They develop individualized service plans; provide supportive employment services to participants such as job placement, job coaching, and job retention services. DSS will contract with Orange Enterprises, Inc. to provide a job coach services for an average of 15 participants per month. DSS will develop provider outcomes for each partner outlining expectations. Monthly feedback will be provided through site visits and case reviews. Contractors will be jointly accountable for the outcome measures of the program. Orange County DSS 8 Work First Demonstration Budget Orange County DSS December 1, 2006 -June 30, 2007 On- The -Job Training Participants Served Average Sala /Hour Average Number of Weeks Yearly Match 20 participants $10.00/hour .32 weeks $96,000 OJT Match Total I 1 1 $96,000 Position Salary and Benefits Mileage Contracted Job Developer $31,460 (seven months)— $4,806 (seven months) Job Coach $31,460 seven months $9,612 (seven months) Total $62,920 seven months) $14,418 (seven months Grand Total $77,338 80 Incentives Incentive Incentive Amount. Participants Served Total Cost Car Allowance $3,000 15 $45,000 Clothing Allowance $150.00 30 $4,500 Work Experience $50 /week 80 $48,000 Incentive Total $97,500 Total Program Cost: $270,838 Orange County DSS C1 Terms and Conditions and Required Signatures By signing below, the applicant understands and accepts the terms and conditions for enhancing practice to increase the required Work First work participation rates as outlined in this document. 1. Agree to establish a plan with action steps and strategies to enhance not only the individual county but the State's required participation rates. 2. Agree to work to identify best practices to achieve work participation rates through the use of the grant to share with all other counties.. 3. Agree to negotiate a number higher than 50% and 90% rates to maintain a certain level over the established participation rates that allows the State to always meet the required rates. 4. Agree to work with assigned Division staff to monitor and ensure compliance with the grant funds to support the work of the grant. 5. Agree to use the grant funds to support the legislative intent set out to increase participation rates. 6. Agree to follow all the reporting requirements which will include monthly reports to reflect progress. 7. If community partners and consumers are a part of the plan, agree to meet regularly to discuss progress. 8. Participate in all other required activities related to the grant. Signed: Director, Orange County Department of Social Services Orange County DSS 10 North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Social Services 2410 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, North Carolina 27699 -2410 Courier # 56 -20 -25 Michael F. Easley, Governor Sherry S. Bradsher, Director Carmen Hooker Odom, Secretary (919) 733 -3055 October 24, 2006 Nancy Coston, Director Orange County Department of Social Services 300 West Tryon Street Hillsborough, NC 27278 Dear Ms. Coston: 51 nil0 C7 2 6 2006 } V ORANGE COUNTY SOCIAL SFRVICFS We are pleased to inform you that your agency's proposal for the Work First Demonstration Grant funds has been approved. Your grant award amount is $270,838 for the 2006 -2007 State Fiscal Year. Within the next two weeks, an Electronic Funds Transfer equal to one -half of this amount will be made to your county. The second Electronic Funds Transfer will be completed on or about February 1, 2007, based on your county's progress towards your identified outcomes. Your Work First Regional Program Representative (and later the Work First Participation Consultant) will be contacting you to offer assistance with initial implementation of your proposal, and to help ensure you adhere to all federal and state. laws, rules and policy in the use of federal TANF funds during implementation. Eventually, the Work First Participation Consultant will be your primary point of contact for grant related discussions and that person will be working closely with you in tracking outcomes. As you recall, the purpose behind these grants is to facilitate discovery of best practices, and to assist the State in reaching a statewide participation rate of 65% or better for the All - Family caseload. The North Carolina Division of Social Services thanks you for submitting a proposal for the Work First Demonstration Grant funds. We look forward to working with you on your project and always appreciate your support in increasing the Work First Participation Rate for our State. If you have any questions, please contact Johnice Tabron at 919 - 733 -7831, or by email at Johnice.Tabron( ,ncmail.net. Sincerely, Esther T. High, Acting Section Chief Family Support and Child Welfare Services QC: Sherry Bradsher Jo Ann Lamm Sarah Barham Family Support and Child Welfare Services Team Leaders An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer Location: 325 N. Salisbury Street • Albemarle Building • Raleigh, NC 27603